Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
